FMS, eclipses will be visible for people in the southwestern United States on October 14, 2023, and April 8, 2024.
The Eclipse holds special meaning for the Navajo people, representing a time of renewal and deep respect. I fondly recall my childhood when my grandparents would gather my siblings and me indoors during an Eclipse. They would ask us to be quiet and avoid eating or drinking during this time. It was a time when they would share stories, songs, and prayers with us, emphasizing the importance of respect in all aspects of life.
Back then, if an Eclipse fell on a school day, we would stay home, but things have changed over the years. While some of our cultural practices have changed, many Navajo families still uphold this tradition. In my previous job, we turned these moments into educational opportunities to teach Navajo families and students about the significance of the Eclipse.
There are many resources online but click here and here for more on the different views of an Eclipse. Ahéhee'.
Photo Credit: Elsie Holiday